The electric family vehicle landscape in India is about to get a major new contender. Mahindra & Mahindra has confirmed it will launch the highly anticipated XUV 9S on November 27, marking its debut into the all-electric, three-row SUV segment. A fresh set of teasers has given us our clearest look yet at the vehicle’s design, confirming it will carve out a distinct identity from its internal combustion sibling, the XUV700.
Gone is the familiar lighting signature of the XUV700. In its place, the XEV 9S sports a bold, stacked headlamp setup, a design language first hinted at with the XUV.e8 concept. The latest preview images highlight several key styling elements, including boomerang-shaped LED Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs), the new ‘Twin Peaks’ badging, and a sleek shark-fin antenna. The rear profile, while still partially concealed, suggests a design philosophy closely aligned with the XUV700, particularly in the tailgate and lighting assembly.
A Tech-Focused Cabin With a Mystery
Inside, Mahindra is pulling no punches on the technology front. The dashboard is dominated by a wide, seamless triple-screen display, a signature feature of the brand’s ‘born-electric’ vehicles like the XUV 9e and BE 6. This digital command center will likely handle the infotainment, instrumentation, and a dedicated passenger display.
However, the automaker is strategically keeping the third-row seating under wraps. This is the central engineering puzzle for any three-row EV: how to integrate a functional, comfortable rear bench without sacrificing precious cabin space or battery capacity. While Mahindra’s modular INGLO platform offers flexibility, the company is building suspense by not yet revealing its solution for this critical area. The vehicle’s taller, more upright stance compared to the coupe-like BE 6 reinforces its purpose as a practical, family-friendly people-mover.
Performance, Range, and Safety
As the third model on Mahindra’s dedicated EV architecture, the XUV 9S is expected to share its core powertrain components with its stablemates. This points to a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup delivering strong performance and an anticipated real-world driving range of over 500 kilometers on a single charge. The SUV’s added weight and size may lead to minor adjustments in tuning, but it is poised to be a capable long-distance tourer.
The feature list is shaping up to be premium. Expect a panoramic sunroof, powered and ventilated front seats with massage and memory functions, and a comprehensive suite of Level 2 Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS). This will include functionalities like Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Lane Keep Assist. Given that both the XUV 9e and BE 6 have secured top five-star safety ratings in testing, the XEV 9S is also projected to be a top-tier performer in crash safety.
All will be revealed on November 27, when Mahindra officially pulls the covers off this pivotal new model.
